Twin Lakes Campground, Chocowinity, N.C.

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First time staying here so a new area to explore. We took a drive to Goose Creek State Park, after a visit to the visitor center, we took a walk on the boardwalk. Goose Creek is a haven for birds.  We saw a snake, and lots of turtles plus a few other creatures.  This park is over 1,600 acres. There is no charge to visit any of North Carolina state parks, wish all states were like that.

One afternoon we drove to downtown Washington, not far from the campground. Our first stop was the Underground railroad, so much to learn and understand. The volunteer was amazing and her telling of the history held your attention. Think we would still be there, but had an appointment with a boat.

We ventured on to our next stop.  The North Carolina Estuarium, this place tells all about the estuaries that are formed where fresh water and salt water mix together. North Carolina has more estuarine waters than any other state.  We checked out their exhibits before taking the hour and half boat ride on the Pamlico and Tar river.  Even got to see an eagle.

While on the boat ride we were told about a local hot dog joint that has been in business for 90 years. All they serve is not dogs with their secret  chili sauce, mustard and onions.  They sure were good, in fact we did go back for another meal.


Drove over to historical Bath, the visitor center had a display for Edward  Teach/Thatch, better know as Blackbeard the pirate. He lived here and died in
Ocracoke, Province of NC. In 1718. Also drove around Bath and checked out the historic sites and some of the remaining houses and churches.

Our last week here has been a little rainy but happy we were able to visit this area and add more history to our travels.

The Oaks at Point South, Yemassee, South Carolina

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Trying to get caught up here with my "chores".  We were at the Oaks for 10 days and kept pretty busy. 

Our first outing took us to Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Patriots Point Naval  Maritime Museum is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, at the mouth of the Cooper River on the Charleston Harbor, across from Charleston. This is home to the USS Yorktown along with the destroyer, USS Laffey, submarine, and USS Clamagore, also included The Vietnam Experience that uses state-of-the-art technology and artifacts to immerse visitors in what it was like to be in Vietnam.  Len toured all of the ships that day.  I had posted on face book some pictures and heard back from Bev that I worked with when my boys were young.  She said we were close to her and Mike's place to stop by, she was still working but Mike was home. They ended up taking us out to a local restaurant, See Wee, for supper, enjoyed some great shrimp and southern sides.

We also visited Fort Moultrie while in the area.  It tells the story of two centuries of seacoast defense, this Fort is on Sullivan Island. Between 1809 and 1860 the fort changed little, it was modernized in the 1870's.

Also made a stop at Hunting Island State Park. We have visited this lighthouse before but Len  climber the 175 steps to the top for some beautiful views. The original lighthouse was built 1857-1859, it was destroyed in 1861 by Confederates so that the Union couldn't use the light against them. 1873 started rebuilding, completed in 1875. 1889 the ocean began knocking at it's door, so it was dismantled and moved 1 1/4 miles. In 1933 the lens was decommissioned, in 1938 the light keeper's house was burned down during the occupation by the CCC. Currently the lighthouse has a functional light in the tower only visible 5 miles out and flashes at a 30-second interval, it is not used for navigation.

We took at drive into Savannah on two different occasions.  Had toured the area via a trolley when here before so learned the history at that time.  This time we ventured out on our own with the free city bus, our first stop was Johnson Square, from there we walked down to the Savannah River, caught the free ferry and took a trip down the river, it made a stop at the convention center and then before we were able to cruise back out on the river had to wait for a big cargo ship to pass.  Next stop was at Morrell park where the waving girl statue is.  Len departed the boat at this stop and walked back up the river walk while I took the ferry back to the starting point.  It was lunch time so decided to find Paula Dean's restaurant.  Len did the buffet and enjoyed what he ate, I ordered off the menu and wasn't happy at all with my chicken salad or cole slaw, the banana pudding was good.

Another day it was a visit to Fort Pulaski, this fort was built to guard the river approaches to Savannah, GA. Still has a moat and drawbridge. The 7 1/2 foot walls were demolished by Union rifled artillery on April 10-11, 1862. One wall still shows the craters made by cannon shot fired from Tybee Island, penetrated the walls 20-25 inches.  Some of the 5,275 shots fired can still be seen in the walls.

Then it was a stop at Wormsloe State Historic Site, it is a 1736 Colonial Estate. At the entrance gate is a picturesque roadway leading through the property that is lined with more than 400 live oak trees that were planted in the early 1890's. On the tour you also see a colonial life area and living history camps.

Had Mike and Bev over to the motorhome for lunch on Saturday, it was good to get a chance to visit with them once again before leaving the area.



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Bullow RV park, Flagler Beach, FL. April 2018

                      CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES WE TOOK AROUND HERE


Always enjoy staying here at Bulow, so many parks have limited activities during some of the time.  We arrived on a Tuesday morning early enough to walk over to the clubhouse and enjoy lunch. The menu changes weekly. They were serving sausage or not dogs for $2. Fries or onion rings for a dollar, beer $2 and soft drinks for a buck.  Along with chili, cheese and other toppings.  This last Tuesday was sloppy Joes with potato salad and drinks.

RV friends Lloyd and Cheryl were here along with her mom.  Cheryl seems to be my good luck charm when we play bingo together.  Played the last two weeks, first week Len won $10 and I won a door prize ( four bingo cards for the next week). Second week I won $7.50 (pot varies depending of the amount of players), and Len won the door prize which he declined since we leave tomorrow.

Thursday is free coffee and donuts. First Thursday people we met here the first time we stayed drove over and joined us. It was good to see Lee and Lee Ann.

We visited some of the places we have checked out before. Went to  Bulow Plantation Ruins, an old sugar mill where in 1821 land was cleared and sugar cane was planted. About all that is left of the plantation are the coquinas ruins of the sugar mill, several wells and a crumbling foundation of the mansion.

Also visited Castillo de San Marcos Fort in St. Augustine. The construction began in 1672 making it one of the oldest standing structures in North America. This was built by the Spanish to protect their vast empire in the Americas.

We did a stop at Bulow Creek State Park.  This park protects one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest along Florida's east coast. The Fairchild Oak is one of the largest live oak trees in the south. It is said to be more than 2000 years old.

While in St. Augustine Len once again climbed the 219 steps of the St. Augustine lighthouse.

One day we took a ride to Ponce Inlet,  there is a lighthouse there also, but the best discovery was the Marine Science Center. They do turtle and seabird rehabilitation,  educational programs are on going throughout the day.  We spent our time at the science center since Len had done the lighthouse when we were here before.

Three Flags RD Park, Wildwood, FL. April 2018

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The last 2 weeks have flown by so fast.  We arrived on a Tuesday, got set up and have been going ever since. Our RV friends Brian and Phyllis were already here when we arrived so it was a great start.  Next day we all headed over to Crystal River to meet up with more RV friends, Dale and Betty and to also celebrate Phyllis and Betty's birthday a little early.  Angie and Dave also joined us. We ate at Crackers which is located along Kings Bay of Crystal River. Had a great meal, everyone ate Grouper of some sort, we ate out on the waterfront dock, such a nice view, all was great till the annoying No See Ums  decided to join us, can't think there is a more annoying insect anywhere. Those little boogers can bite multiple times and feed in large groups, so I end up with a group of welts, and they are so small you don't see them.
We did a local flea market one day and then one evening we went to The Villages to catch some local entertainment.

RV friends we met in Washington, through Lee and Elaine were also here so went out for supper one night.  They suggested Giovanni's, good  choice.

Easter we enjoyed the buffet at the Golden Corral with Brian and Phyllis and Rich and Betty, more RV'ers.

Had a meal at Brian and Phyllis place, a meal here and many happy hours.

Enjoyed ribs at Oakwook Express with Phyllis and Brian one night also.

 Rode over with Brian and Phyllis to Homosassas to meet up with their friends Karin and Jack. Checked out  Monkey Island, 5 spider monkeys currently occupy the island which is a tiny chunk of land setting in the Homosassas River. In the 60's  Monkey Island was a jumble of rocks in the river that submerged during high tide making a hazard to small boats. Dirt was dredged onto the rocks, and the resulting visible lump was made more picturesque with some plant life, trees and a lighthouse.  The monkeys were added later, moved from a nearby wildlife attraction. The monkeys are fed twice daily and have free run of the island. It was suggested to have lunch at The Freezer and Tiki Bar, shrimp is what they are known for so that is what we had, I also added some clam chowder, while it was good, I think West coast is better. The Freezer was actually a real bait freezer turned into a bar.  The Seminole Indians built a tiki but on the back which over looks Otter Creek. This is a working fish house to this day.  There is also a small fish market there, with some good pricesprices that we will remember for next time.

Forest River RV, Zephyerhills, FL. March 2018

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First time we have stayed in this park. Nice park and our neighbors are friendly.
First thing we did was go to Tarpon Spring on the cost. It was the Sponge Capital of the world.

Tarpon Springs also has a very good Aquarium right in town. There is several shows with there Gator and one real large snake and also there Sharks. You even get to hold part of the Python as it was 14ft long.

We were able to meet up with long time friends of Len's, Doyle and Margo, spent several hours getting caught up.  Plus enjoyed a strawberry shortcake ice cream social while we were visiting.

Drove over to Plant City, must be the strawberry capital of Florida. Stopped at Parkdale market, another strawberry shortcake. One of the neighbors told Len about the cookie factory that was there, first time we had heard of it.  The little store sells seconds, seems to be about 2 pounds in a bag, for 2 to 3 dollars, well worth the price.

Found a nice little seafood restaurant called The Great Catch in town.  Got the shrimp basket and some of the best we have had. Fresh caught, never frozen and with a very light batter.



  My computer has died on me so I bought a note pad, harder to write on the blog with it so bear with me.

We move tomorrow and head North with a 2 week stop at Three Flags. Getting close to time to travel North.

All for now.

Peace River, Wauchula, FL March 2018

                         CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES OF WHAT WE DID HERE




Checked back into Peace River on the 28th, met up with so many of our RV friends that are here and have met new friends through our old friends and so the circle grows and grows.  Have had many get togethers and it seems they all revolve around food. 

Andy and Chris Jones drove down to Florida, they have taken the year off from traveling but hope to get back on the road by the end of the year.  Had lunch at our place with other friends, Brian and Phyllis, Dale and Betty, Lloyd and Cheryl, then others joined us after lunch, so we now have more RV friends.  Enjoyed meeting Penny and Dave and Ken and his wife (sorry her named has slipped my mind).

One afternoon it was learning some new games at Dale and Betty's. We all have such a good time together.

Pioneer Park which is right down the road from the campground held their annual fair.  Many old tractors on display plus we got to see a demonstration on how to cook skunk cabbage and to taste it.  It is actually a small palm (saw palmetto), we  tasted it both raw and then after it was cooked.  Tasted good both ways.    They had entertainment and we got Elvis the day we were there.  Also met Dale and Betty's niece, Robyn and her husband Bob

Also enjoyed a parade in town one afternoon, got there early to get good seats, but being a small town we didn't need to be there that early.  The parade lasted 30 minutes, like I said a small town but it was also during the week. We had a fun time and Len came home with a pocket full of candy.  The grand marshal was 105 years old, looked to me like he still had some years left in him.

We have enjoyed the entertainment here at the clubhouse also.

Something new that we tried was a brunch at the suggestion of Phyllis, that really turned out great.  We had biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, French toast, sausage patties, ham.  We were all stuffed but at 2 it was an ice cream social at the clubhouse so where did we go?  Your right, up to eat ice cream.  Friends Ruth Ann and John joined us for that, so good to see they have come into the RV park.

Rodeo was being held in Arcadia so 6 of us headed that way, Brian and Phyllis, Dale and Betty and met up with Bob and Robyn also.  They just built the new arena and this was the grand opening.  Had a great time.  Very small group of vendors, which was disappointing, guess I was thinking it would be more like the stock show in Denver.

Phyllis and I went out strawberry pickin and the guys went over to the gun range to do some target practicing, we sure seem to stay busy.  Now to get the berries cleaned and in the freezer.


The next couple of day friends will be leaving and most are going up to the Orlando area, we are headed back over toward Tampa, hoping to meet up with some old friends of Len's.  But it does look like in a couple of weeks most of us with be meeting up again, looking forward to it.

All for now...more to follow.
You can see more pictures of our stay by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

Leaving Clerbrook - Feb. 2018

                             CLICK HERE TO SEE PITURES WE TOOK IN THE AREA




Tomorrow is another moving day, we have enjoyed our time here, as always.  It was nice being parked across the street from one of the clubhouses so was able to walk over to the activities.  Wednesday night I played bingo, no win but did run into an RV friend, Ruth Ann, met her a couple of years ago through other RV friends.  We enjoyed having Ruth Ann and John stop by for a visit the other day so we could get caught up.  Bingo again tonight so maybe, just maybe, it will be our time to win.

The park hosted a health fair which we also enjoyed.  It was a full house with local vendors in the health fields.  Came home with a bag of handouts.  Also enjoyed a lunch while we were there.  Plenty of door prizes were given out, sorry to say neither of us had our name drawn.

We took a ride over to Winter Garden, FL.  Took in the railroad museum and the local Heritage Museum, both were free but only open in the afternoons.  Enjoyed the railroad museum, they had on display several pieces of the dinnerware from different railroads, the menus were fun to check out and so many railroad items on display, they have done a nice job on this museum.

Also got a visit from Janice and Dave, more RV people that we met through other RV friends, it is wonderful how big the circle of friends on the road grows.  Then went over to their place and played Rummikub. it was a fun game to learn.

Len was a dog walker one day for some people we met at out last stop, they had to be gone all day and the dog needed to go out while they were gone.  Bristol didn't care to view Len walking a dog and then having the nerve to walk the dog down to "HIS" house.  Joe and Sue then wanted to take us out to dinner so we enjoyed a nice meal at Texas Roadhouse.

We are headed back to Peace River on Tuesday, looks like eight or more couple we have met while RV'ing are all going to be there, know it will be a fun time. 

Already have some plans made for our next stop so looks like we are going to be busy.